from where we sat. I caught Mrs. Henley's eyes occasionally straying
in that direction uneasily. Yet she managed to keep up a sprightly
conversation, largely relating to the country we had traveled over.
Neither of us ate heartily, merely toying with the rather unpalatable
food, and, as soon as we dared, pushed back our chairs. It was a
relief to get out of the room, but as we stood a moment in the front
doorway, breathing in the fresh air, I noticed a giant form approaching
the house through the weeds.

"Coombs is coming already for his interview," I said hastily. "As it
may be stormy perhaps you had better retreat upstairs."

She glanced in the direction of his approach, and drew slightly back
into the shadow of the hall. There was a flush on her cheeks, and her
eyes met mine almost defiantly.

"I will go," she said quickly, "but I shall not leave this house while
you remain."




CHAPTER XVI

COMPELLING SPEECH

She was gone before I could speak, before I could even grasp the full
purport of her decision. I followed the flutter of her skirt up the
stairs, half tempted to rush after, yet as instantly comprehended the
uselessness of any attempt at influencing her. Even the short space of